Pond filter with filter bag

ABSTRACT

A pump and filtration system for a pond or pool. The filtration mechanism has a filter member in which water with suspended solids in it is forced through the filter member to clean the water. The filter member is positioned in a housing and separated from the walls of the housing by a screen-type separation member. A water jet member increases the flow of the water entering the housing. The filter member is cleaned and solids are flushed from the housing in a backflush procedure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to filter mechanisms and systemsfor pools, ponds and the like particularly filters which are moreefficient and which can be cleaned in a more efficient manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There are many types of pumping and filtration systems for pools,ponds, and the like, particularly for outdoor fish and serenity ponds.Typically, a pump is used to draw water from the pond and circulate itthrough a filtration mechanism or system and return the clean water tothe pond. Often, the water is also pumped to fountains and waterfalls.The filtration mechanisms often are inefficient and typically have to bedismantled to be cleaned.

[0003] In some instances, the filtration system is positioned adjacentto or integral with the pumping mechanism, which is typically submergedin the water in the pond. With these systems, it is necessary to eitherdrain the pond or remove the pump and filtration mechanism from the poolin order to be serviced and cleaned.

[0004] Outdoor ponds and pools, in particular, are susceptible tocontaminants, such as dirt, leaves and other materials, which can beimparted into the water. These materials could be plant materials (suchas leaves), clay, dirt, grasses, pebbles, stones, and any other materialcommon to outdoor environments. These solid and suspended materials aredifficult to filter from the pond and often can damage the pump and/orfiltration system or reduce their efficiencies.

[0005] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providean improved pond filtration system, particularly one which is moreefficient and can be cleaned in a faster and easier manner. It isanother object of the present invention to provide a pond pumping andfiltration system in which large particles can be removed withoutadversely affecting the filter media.

[0006] It is still another object of the present invention to provide apond filtration system in which the filtration media can be easilycleaned and particularly without dismantling the system.

[0007] These and other objects of the present invention, and solutionsto the problems with known pumping and filtration systems for pools,ponds and the like, are met by the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In accordance with the present invention, a filter housing isprovided which has a collapsible filter bag. The housing is divided intotwo sections or chambers with the filter bag positioned at theintersection between the sections. Water from the pond or pool is pumpedinto the housing by a pumping mechanism and is forced upwardly by one ormore nozzle members from the lower chamber through the filter bag andinto the upper chamber. An outlet in the upper portion of the housingallows clean water to return to the pool or pond.

[0009] Large or heavy suspended particles are settled out of the streamof water as it is introduced into the housing. The filter bag is pushedupward by the water flow from the lower chamber into the upper chamberand collects the smaller solid particles from the water.

[0010] When the water flow is terminated, the filter bag collapses andturns inside out, falling down into the lower section or chamber of thehousing. Loose collected solids fall into the lower chamber and areflushed from the housing. A back-flush tubular member with a nozzle isprovided in the upper chamber. The nozzle member can be extended downthrough the inside-out filter bag so that it washes collected particlesand solids from the bag and into the bottom chamber. Water from thenozzle washes all of the solids out of the housing through a backflushport. The settled out materials can be diverted to a garden, flower bed,or the like where they can be used as fertilizer.

[0011] The present inventive filtration mechanism can be utilized with asolids-handling pump which passes large particles through the pump fromthe bottom of the pond. Pre-filters which require frequent retrieving ofthe pump from the pond and cleaning of the pre-filters are eliminated.

[0012] Mesh cylinders or cages are positioned in the upper and lowerchambers of the housing to space the filter bag from the inner surfacesof the housing. Also, in one embodiment the back-flush tube and nozzlecan be removed from the housing when they are not being utilized. Theinventive pond filtration system can be positioned adjacent the pond orpool, either above ground or below ground, or positioned at a distancefrom the pond and/or hidden from view by plants and other foliage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a pump and filtration system inaccordance with the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 2 is an enlarged elevational view of a preferred filtrationmechanism in accordance with the present invention with portions brokenaway;

[0015]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the filtration mechanism asshown in FIG. 2;

[0016]FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3 indicated bythe circle marked “3A”;

[0017]FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3 indicated bythe circle marked “3B”;

[0018]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the filtration mechanism shown inFIGS. 1-3;

[0019]FIG. 5 is an elevational top view of the filtration mechanism ofFIGS. 1-4;

[0020]FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate representative inlet water jet nozzlemembers which can be used with the present invention to introduce waterfrom the pond into the housing;

[0021]FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a tubular member and spray nozzlewhich can be used to clean the filter bag in a back-flush procedure;

[0022]FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the mechanism shown inFIG. 8;

[0023]FIG. 10 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0024]FIG. 11 illustrates an alternate water jet member which can beused with the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 10; and

[0025]FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0026] The present invention provides an improved pumping and filtrationsystem particularly for use with an outdoor pond or pool, particularlyan outdoor fish pond. The filtration mechanism provides a filter for thepond which can be cleaned in a quick and easy manner without disassemblyof the filter mechanism. Large particles, such as pebbles and stones,can be removed from the water pumped from the pond by being forcedupwardly through a nozzle and prior to contact with the filtration mediasuch as a foam filter member or filter bag.

[0027] Although the drawings and description herein show and describethe present invention for use with an outdoor pond, it is to beunderstood that the present pumping and filtration system can be used toclean contaminants and suspended solids from any body of water,including aquariums and pools.

[0028]FIG. 1 illustrates a pumping and filtration system in accordancewith the present invention when used to clean the water in an outdoorpond. The system is designated generally by the reference numeral 10.FIG. 2 shows a preferred filtration device in accordance with thepresent invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the filtration deviceshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, while FIG. 4 is an exploded view of thefiltration device. As shown in FIG. 1, the filtration device 12 ispositioned adjacent a pond or pool 14. Although the filtration device 12is shown positioned above ground and adjacent the pond 14, the device 12could be positioned partially below ground or at a distance from thepond. It is also possible to hide the filtration mechanism 12 withplants or other foliage.

[0029] A conventional pump device 16 is positioned in the pond and usedto pump and force water to the filtration device 12. The pump can be ofany conventional type, but preferably is a pump without a pre-filter andthus adapted to pass solids, such as large particles, through the pumpfrom the bottom of the pond. Pumps which can be used with the presentinvention include, for example, the OFX series pumps sold by Tetra Pond,Blacksburg, Va.

[0030] Many pond pumps have a pre-filter integral with them, thepre-filter usually being made of a foam or fibrous material. Theserequire frequent retrieving of the pump from the pond for cleaning ofthe pre-filter. The present invention eliminates the need for apre-filter type pump and allows the pump to work much longer before ithas to be brought from the pond for maintenance.

[0031] The filtration device 12 includes a housing member 20 which hasan upper section 22 and a lower section 24. The housing member 20 ispositioned on a stand or base 26. Water and suspended solids aretransported from the pump 16 to the housing 20 through a conduit or hose30. A second hose 32 is used to transport the filtered water from thefilter device 12 back to the pond 14.

[0032] As particularly shown in FIGS. 2-4, the filtration device 12includes a collapsible filter bag 40 which is held in place between theupper and lower sections 22 and 24 of the housing. The filter bag ispreferably made of a mesh netting material which will trap suspendedsolids as water is passed through it. Material of this type which can beused, for example, are polyester, nylon, polyprophylene and the like.

[0033] The filter bag 40 is securely positioned between the upper andlower sections 22 and 24 of the housing 20 by a pair of circular ringmembers 42 and 44 which are held in place by an outer retention ring 46.(See FIG. 3A.) A sealing member such as O-ring 52, which as shown is anintegral part of the filter bag can be used to hold the filter bag inposition and seal it relative to the ring members 42 and 44.Alternatively, the filter bag could have a metal or plastic ring sewn orglued or otherwise attached to the open end of the bag, which can beused to position and hold the bag in place relative to ring members 42and 44. A separate sealing member, such as O-ring 56 is used to seal thejoint or intersection between the upper and lower sections 22 and 24.

[0034] Also as shown in FIGS. 2-4, a pair of cylindrically shapedscreens or mesh retention members 60 and 62 are positioned in the upperand lower sections. The retention members 60, 62 prevent the filter bag40 from contacting the inner walls of the upper and lower housingsections, which would prevent free water flow through the bag and reducethe filtration effectiveness. The openings 65 in the retention membersallow water to pass through them.

[0035] The screen members 60 and 62 can be made of any material, such asmetal or plastic. The screen members should have sufficiently largeopenings or spaces 65 in order to allow water passing through the filterbag to also pass through the screen members. The openings can have anyshape, such as square (as shown), circular, slotted, or the like.

[0036] A nozzle or water jet 70 is positioned in the inlet end of thehousing 20 and is used to create changes in the velocity and thus theforce of the water flowing into the filtration device 12 and into andthrough the filter bag 40. The venturi caused by the nozzle membercreates changes in the velocity of the water passing through it whichcauses larger particles to settle out of the stream of water. Then, thewater continues up through the filter bag and through the mesh, leavingany suspended particulate and foreign matter entrapped on the surface ofthe filter bag. A preferred nozzle member 70 is shown in FIG. 6. Thenozzle member 70 includes a tapered restricted outlet orifice 72 whichis used to increase the velocity of the flow of water through thenozzle.

[0037] Also as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, large particles 75 suspended inthe water as it passes through the nozzle 70, fall by their own weightand the force of gravity from the water toward the bottom of thefiltration device 12. This prevents the largest particles from possiblydamaging the filter bag or clogging it up.

[0038] An alternate nozzle member 80 is shown in FIG. 7. Nozzle member80 has a plurality of nozzle-type outlets 82 which are used to increasethe velocity of the water flowing through them. In this regard, anynumber of nozzle outlets can be utilized with the nozzle member inaccordance with the present invention.

[0039]FIG. 6 illustrates a nozzle member with a single outlet, whileFIG. 7 illustrates a nozzle member with at least three outlets. It isunderstood, of course, that any number of outlets can be provided andutilized in the nozzle member in accordance with the present invention.Multiple nozzles may be situated on top of a cylindrical plenum throughwhich the water enters in the lower chamber.

[0040] The collapsible filter bag 40 is forced upwardly by the flow ofwater passing through the nozzle member into the position shown in solidlines in FIGS. 3 and 4. In this position, algae and other suspendedmatter in the flow of water are trapped on the inside of the filter bagwhile water which passes through it and out the outlet 90 is clean waterwhich is returned to the pond through conduit 32.

[0041] If desired, the two housing sections 22 and 24, and particularlythe upper housing section 22, can be provided of a clear or transparentmaterial in order to provide a visual indication when the filter bag 40is dirty and needs cleaning. Transparent housing portions also wouldallow a visual indication of when the bag was fully cleaned during aback-flush procedure (as described below).

[0042] The filter bag can be made of any conventional type of material,such as netting, meshes, or fabrics, and with many different fibers andweaves providing different degrees of particle entrapment. The filterbag 40 is preferably made of a mesh netting material in order to trapsuspended solids as they pass through it. Particles which are trapped bythe bag allow the bag to become more effective as the filtration processcontinues. The previously trapped particles will trap smaller andsmaller particles, making the water cleaner with each pass through thefilter. Eventually the bag will become blocked with the particles,however, to the point where the flow of water is restricted through thebag, and a back-flush or cleaning operation must be performed.

[0043] The filter bag will trap all foreign matter and materials in thewater, such as algae, suspended dirt or clay particles, ground uporganic materials, such as leaves and fish food, and small sticks, grassand the like. Thus, the present invention is capable of handling all ofthe contaminants and particulate matter which are commonly found inoutdoor ponds and pools.

[0044] When it is desired to clean the filter bag 40, the pump 16 isturned off, ceasing the flow of water through the filtration device 12.An outlet or backflush port 150 is opened by means of opening of a valve152. Valve 100 is then opened allowing air to enter the housing throughair inlet 102. This causes the water to drain from the housing 20 andcausing the filter bag 40 to collapse to the position 40′ shown indotted lines in FIGS. 3 and 4 (and shown in solid lines in FIG. 8). Inthis manner, the filtered and trapped particulate matter which wereformerly on the inside of the filter bag 40 will now be on the outsideof the filter bag 40′ in the lower section of the housing. Any heavy orloose solid particles collected on the filter bag will fall into thebottom of the lower section, and the remaining material on the filterbag is flushed off with the water.

[0045] In this regard, water through hose or conduit 110 which isattached to a faucet 112 or the like, provides back-flush cleaning waterthrough tubular member 114. Tubular member 114 is positioned in abushing seal member 116, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 3B. Threaded nut member118 is used to hold the tubular member 114 in position and to tightlyhold the sealing member 116 against it and prevent leakage of water fromthe filtration mechanism.

[0046] The tubular member 114 can be moved longitudinally through theopening 92 in the top 94 of the housing 20 and positioned in anappropriate manner to clean the filter bag. In this regard, the movementof the tubular member 114 is shown by the arrow 130 in FIG. 8.

[0047] An alternate embodiment for holding the tubular member 114 inposition and sealing the sliding relationship is shown in FIG. 8. Thetop 94′ of the housing section 22′ has a raised passageway 122 with anO-ring 124, or other sealing member.

[0048] A spray nozzle 132 positioned on the end of the tubular member114 provides an effective spray of clean/back-flush water 140 againstthe filter bag when the bag is in the position shown in FIG. 8. In thismanner, as the tubular member 114 is moved longitudinally in thedirection of the arrow 130, the water spray 140 forces the filteredmaterial off of the outer surface of the filter bag and into the bottomof the housing. An outlet 150 operated by valve member 152 is utilizedto allow the back-flush water and solid materials to be removed from thehousing and filtration device. A conduit, such as a hose or the like160, is utilized to pass the filtered material to a garden or otherlocation. Often the settled out solids that are flushed from a filterdevice 12 can be used as fertilizer.

[0049] The telescopic tubular member 114 used to back flush and cleanthe filter bag can also be removed from the housing and filtrationdevice 12 if desired for storage between cleaning cycles. In thisregard, a separate solid cap member (not shown) can be utilized to closeoff and seal the opening 92 in the top portion 94 of the housing 20.

[0050] The filtration unit 12 itself can be made in many different sizesso that it can used for varying sizes of pools and ponds. The presentinvention could also be used for swimming pools and, if provided on areduced scale, for use relative to aquariums.

[0051] An alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 10 and 12, and designated generally by the reference numeral 200.This embodiment 200 provides a separate filtration device 210. Thedevice 210 preferably has been upper housing section 212 and a lowerhousing section 214, which are snapped or otherwise releasablypositioned and sealed together. For this purpose, a protruding ridge orrib member 216 is provided on one of the two housing portions and amating groove 218 is provided in the other housing section. When the twohousing sections 212 and 214 are positioned together, the protrudingperipheral ridge or rib member fits within the circular groove holdingthe two housing sections together. Of course, it is to be understoodthat other securing and fastening mechanisms can be used for thispurpose which are conventional and known to persons of ordinary skill inthe art.

[0052] In the embodiment 200, the pond or pool water enters the housing210 through inlet 220 flows circularly around the lower portion of thehousing section 214 where some of the larger particles 228 are droppedout of the water. Then the water is forced through a nozzle member 222and through a pair of foam-type filter members 230 and 232. The filtermembers 230 and 232 are held in place by a screen-type retention device240. The suspended or entrained solid materials and other foreign matterare collected either in the bottom A of the housing section 214, thecircular groove B, or in the filters 230 and 232.

[0053] A series of nozzle outlet members 250 are provided on the nozzleor water jet member 222 in order to create a venturi and change thevelocity of the water as it is directed against filters 230 and 232. Inthe same manner as described above with filtration mechanism 12, heavierand larger particles 234 passing through the nozzle 222 will settle anddrop out of the water before they impinge upon the filter members 230and 232. The solid materials are collected in annular groove B in thelower housing member 214.

[0054] Clean water passing through the filters 230 and 232 is passedback to the pool or pond through chute member 270. Of course, it isunderstood that other conventional devices and conduits could be used toconvey the clean water from the filtration device 210 back to the pondor pool. An open top filtration unit with an angled chute member 270 isonly one of many methods that can be used to return the filtered waterto the pond.

[0055] The foam-type filters 230 and 232 can be made of differentdegrees of porosity and with difference size meshes. This sequentiallyfilters the water as it passes through the filtering media with smallerand smaller openings thus entrapping smaller and smaller particulatematter from the water. In this regard, although filter members 230 and232 are shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, it is to be understood that any numberof filter members can be utilized, whether a single filter or aplurality of filters.

[0056] An alternate nozzle or water jet member 222′ is shown in FIG. 11.In this embodiment, three nozzles 250′ are provided and the top surface251 of the nozzle member is curved or rounded in order to deflect ordirect solid particles 234 into groove B.

[0057] When it is necessary to clean the filter members in the housing210, the two housing sections can be separated and all of the memberscleaned and washed manually. Alternatively, water can be forced throughthe upper end 280 of the housing and forced through the filters in theopposite direction forcing any entrapped particulate matter to bedirected toward the bottom of the housing. Outlet 282 from the lowerportion is activated by a valve mechanism (not shown), allowing thematerials to be flushed from the filtration device 200.

[0058] While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed, numerous variations and alternate embodiments will occur tothose skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the inventionbe limited only in terms of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A water filtration apparatus comprising: ahousing; a filter member positioned in said housing; and a water jetmember positioned in said housing; wherein a flow of water supplied tosaid housing is adapted to be increased in velocity by said water jetmember and directed toward said filter member for filtering outcontaminants from the water passing through it.
 2. The apparatus as setforth in claim 1 wherein said housing has a first section and a secondsection, and wherein said filter member is positioned substantiallybetween said first and second sections.
 3. The apparatus as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said filter member comprises at least one foam filtermember.
 4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said water jetmember has at least one nozzle member for increasing the velocity of aflow of water.
 5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidwater jet member has at least two nozzle members for increasing thevelocity of a flow of water.
 6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1wherein said housing has a first inlet for entry of water and a firstoutlet for egress of water.
 7. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2further comprising a fixation member for releasably securing togethersaid first and second sections.
 8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2wherein said filter member is positioned between said first and secondsections.
 9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said housingfurther comprises a second inlet for use during backflush procedures,and a second outlet for removal of contaminants flushed from saidhousing.
 10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 9 further comprising abackflush member positioned in said second inlet.
 11. The apparatus asset forth in claim 10 wherein said backflush member comprises a hollowtubular member and a spray nozzle.
 12. An apparatus as set forth inclaim 11 wherein said backflush member is longitudinally movable in saidsecond inlet.
 13. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 furthercomprising an air inlet in said housing, said air inlet being operatedby a valve member.
 14. A pond filtration system comprising: a filtrationdevice for filtering out contaminants from pond water; a pumping devicefor pumping water from a pond to said filtration device; conduit meansfor transporting water from said pumping device to said filtrationdevice and for returning filtered water to a pond; said filtrationdevice comprising a housing, a filter member, and a water jet member;wherein water entering said filtration device is passed through saidwater jet member and directed to and through said filter member, saidwater jet member increasing the velocity of water passing through it.15. The apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein said housing has afirst section and a second section, and wherein said filter member ispositioned substantially between said first and second sections.
 16. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein said filter member comprisesat least one foam filter member.
 17. The apparatus as set forth in claim14 wherein said water jet member has at least one nozzle member forincreasing the velocity of a flow of water.
 18. The apparatus as setforth in claim 14 wherein said water jet member has at least two nozzlemembers for increasing the velocity of a flow of water.
 19. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein said housing has a firstinlet for entry of water and a first outlet for egress of water.
 20. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein said housing furthercomprises a second inlet for use during backflush procedures, and asecond outlet for removal of contaminants flushed from said housing. 21.The apparatus as set forth in claim 20 further comprising a backflushmember positioned in said second inlet.
 22. The apparatus as set forthin claim 21 wherein said backflush member comprises a tubular member anda spray nozzle.
 23. A water filtration system comprising: a filtrationdevice for filtering out contaminants from water; conduit means fortransporting water from said pumping device to said filtration deviceand for returning the filtered water; said filtration device comprisinga housing, a filter member, and a water jet member; wherein waterentering said filtration device is passed through said water jet memberand directed to and through said filter member, said water jet memberincreasing the velocity of water passing through it.